02 Jan 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 29 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jan 02, 1939
Page
1
An optometrist and a jeweler, both named as partners, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary together at their shared venue. The couple known for long standing collaboration, were joined in business and life for decades.
Mrs. Ralph W. of Black Hawk County sustained a compound fracture of a leg after falling while skating on Cedar Lagoon. Injuries occurred at or near her home. the incident was reported from local authorities.
Walter H. Bease attributes the condition to intoxication after a man was found unconscious on the cellar floor of a Green Scott county tavern. Albert N. Crill of Lege was in St Luke’s hospital Saturday with unspecified injuries. Charles City Justice Calvin H. Jones officiated two weddings, one at 10 39 p m and another at 2 30 a m, including an out of town couple awakened to marry at his home.
Three 8.U.S. students and Dr. Justin Hope, an interne at the university psychiatric hospital, remain hospitalized in Coralville with injuries from a New Year’s Eve accident near the city. Injured are Ida Prouty Conneil Wiuffs and Willard Erganbright of Atlantic.
Des Moines reports total 2 690 single cash benefits amounting to 108 096 50 have been paid under the federal old age insurance system. Buel A Wilson of the Des Moines social security office notes payments go to workers 65 or to families of deceased workers. Monthly annuities begin in 1942. More than 541 000 Iowa workers are potential beneficiaries.
Edward J. Kerby, 32, of Des Moines, was fatally injured when his plane spun from the sky, struck a grain elevator, and crashed on the Minneapolis and St. Louis line. Fire Chief H. C. Timmerman led rescuers to free him. Kerby remained conscious, in severe pain, until help arrived.
Thomas J. Bales age 85 died this morning after two years of declining health. Funeral services set for Tuesday at 10 at L. A. Jones funeral home with Rev. I. Fred mutd of Washington Baptist church. Burial in Green Mound cemetery near Wayland. Born July 12 1853 in Jefferson County Iowa he farmed in Henry County before moving to Washington area six years ago to live with daughter Mrs. Charlies Reeves who died two years ago. Survived by two children Mrs. A. L. Zihlman and Walter Bales and a dozen grandchildren.
Washington business leaders forecast a prosperous 1939 with improved trade and increased new car sales signaling better times. They expect county road improvements including paving No 1 from Washington to Iowa City and toward Fairfield boosting commerce and growth.
The Washington school district anticipates a landmark year with the completion and opening of two new modern grade school buildings replacing four outdated ones. The upgrades aim to raise elementary facilities to 1939 standards, modernizing the district’s education setup.
The Chamber of Commerce envisions 1939 as a year to attract more people into the Washington trading area. Committees will meet soon to plan the year's work and sponsor several big days, alongside the centennial celebration. Stores report a fine Christmas business and all business interests are encouraged.
The document notes that business has improved steadily and should rise faster in 1959. It cites expectations of fewer outside interferences and the removal of harmful influences. At the McCleery plant, planned improvements are under consideration due to the belief that 1959 will be a good year.
The speaker outlines plans to celebrate Washington's 100th anniversary with a major town celebration. They aim to honor hardy settlers of 1859 and prepare a historic pageant, while details and programs are being developed.
Secretary cites rising property values and active farm land market in Washington. The association made 191 home loans in 1998 and expects more than that in 1939, noting only three of 265 loans soured in four years, highlighting a thriving town and confident business outlook.
Des Moines Mo byline reports Robert Aldrich, a Des Moines Mail Way Co. bus driver, became unconscious in his vehicle. C W Gifford, president of the company, denies carbon monoxide poisoning as cause.
Five insane criminals escape from Lima state hospital wielding hatchets and razors. They slugged two guards and abducted the day and night superintendent before fleeing toward Chicago in a stolen car. Suspects include Willard Hucks, leader and Cincinnati murderer, with William Blatt, Frank Haines, Marion Pierce, and Russell Nickels named.
At Clinton Indiana a coal mine explosion trapped twenty miners on New Year’s Eve. Nineteen men were rescued after thirteen hours underground. The twentieth man perished, ending a perilous rescue that began just before year’s end.
Washington rang in the new year with no disorder or incidents as Chief of Police Jay Brown and Sheriff Harold Putnam reported. About 1,000 attended the State and Fox theaters, 300 more than prior years, with overflow to the Fox. Community sings and religious services followed, and stores and offices closed in observance of the holiday.
Mary Juliet Lemmon will return to her work in Washington D C tomorrow after a holiday stay with her parents Mr and Mrs J E Lemmon in this city.
More than two hundred attended the New Year’s Dinner at the United Presbyterian church. The Ladies Aid committees organized the event with Mrs. Auveusta Lester supervising the kitchen. Dr. C. A. Owen of Monmouth gave grace and members of the Owen family were among the town guests.
Police grilled Dr. Raymond L. Atterberry of Canon City as motive questions continued in the murder case of his wife Mrs. Nona Atterberry, 31. The husband denied any connection and remained under investigation.
A meeting at Rev. Norman Webster's home in Crawfordsville formed committees for the Washington county older boys and girls conference set for January 30 in Crawfordsville. Officers include Sam Wittmer as president and Maxine Baxter as vice president. Mildred Anderson as secretary. Committee members span Mildred Anderson, Jane Maxwell, Everette Davis, Mary Moorehead, David Davis, Robert Miller, and Mrs Ethyl Kerr. Toast committee leader Forest McNeil with Sam Wittmer, Lorene Taylor, Mary Davis, Walter Rich, and Rev. E J. Voss. Dorine Lease chairs decorating with Mildred Whiting, Edna Rich, Rev. N F Chapman. Publicity chaired by Wayne Williame. Lorene Taylor and Marie Darbyshire serve, with Rev Norman Webster advisor. Walter Rich leads meeting place committee with Wendell Voss and Rev RE B Vows as advisor.
A transient identified as Floyd Lister, 42, a former railway telegrapher, was found hanging from wire in the Williamson saloon jail. He apparently hanged himself on Saturday, authorities said.
Two prisoners from Monroe jail escaped after peppering a jailer on New Year’s Eve. Robert Volk 17 of Clinton and Carl Jacoby were captured near Clinton after a wild chase through New Year’s Day, ending when police stopped the pursuit.
Nancy Darlene Blessing arrived at 4 37 a m January 1 1939 and leads county winners eligible for gifts from 17 firms to the first baby born in the year. Further births awaited to confirm official win while another farm birth near Washington at 4 20 am is ineligible. Nancy Darlene is the daughter of Mr and Mrs James Blessing living west of Washington.
Former Michigan governor Rank Murphy was sworn in as attorney general of the United States at the White House ceremony attended by President Roosevelt and Vice President Garner. The event took place in Washington, D.C. on January 2.
President Roosevelt calls his top congressional lieutenants to the White House for last minute conferences ahead of convening the 76th Congress tomorrow. Meanwhile, Morrison, once awaiting trial in Madison, faces charges tied to a string of holdups in Madison, Clinton, Chicago and Morrison, Illinois.
A county seeks a clean maternal mortality record in 1939 following only one maternal death in the past two years. Physicians and health units pledge full efforts, promote prenatal care for all expectant mothers, and stress nurse home visits to educate on pregnancy hygiene and diet.
An INS summary reports New Year weekend deaths from highway accidents tallying at least 14 in New York and nine in Chicago. Iowa records show 1938 to 1939 fatalities with names like R Boothby and Iver Engh among the victims. one Des Moines man died from injuries December 24, 1938.
Des Moines reports temperatures near 12 degrees as warmer weather edges in. Iowa forecasts predict a five to six degree rise tonight with cloudy skies. Sioux City records 62 degrees briefly, while Charles City notes no snow rain or sleet on New Year’s Day.
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